Black Power Couples: 5 Things They Do Right
When writer and director Ryan Coogler debuted his blockbuster Rocky Balboa film, “Creed”, the 37-year-old’s other half, Zinzi Evans, was right by his side. Evans is a film industry rising star in her own right. She produced the short film “Locks”, which Coogler wrote and directed.
But, when both parties have found success — or are working toward it — it may become harder to stay focused on their relationship.
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Coogler created a similar storyline in Creed’s plot. Adonis (played by Michael B. Jordan) is on a professional mission, but so is his leading lady Bianca (played by Tessa Thompson). For Coogler, this is what the relationship dynamic can be like as more and more women aggressively pursue their career endeavors.
“What does love look like in the mid-2010s?” Coogler said in an interview with Comicbook.com.
“…she’s trying to make it in her thing, he’s trying to make it in his things and they’ve got to line up because if they don’t, then it won’t work out.”
Certified marriage and family therapist Nikhol B. Jackson understands the type of feelings that can arise in this increasingly common situation.
“Difficulties that often occur are feelings of neglect, resentment, loneliness, arrogance and self-doubt,” Jackson says. “A lack of sense of control or involvement typically creates those feelings.”
So, how do you and your partner align your separate lifestyles into one? Here are five ways that people successfully get — or keep — power couple status:
1. They build strong, supportive structures for their relationships.
Support goes both ways. It’s important to make sure that your partner truly does feel supported, and it’s essential to give him or her the space to support you back.
“Supporting your mate does not mean you become a doormat and sit back and watch the world go by,” Jackson says. “It means you